The Flats

The Flats is a poor black community in Jackson Harbor. It should be noted that Stack changed the name to protect the personal lives of those involved in the study.

Jackson Harbor

Jackson Harbor is the city where the Flats is. "Jackson Harbor" is not the real name of the city, but a fake name made up to protect the personal lives of those in the study.

Chicago

Chicago is the nearest large city to Jackson Harbor.

AFDC

AFDC, or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, is the primary form of welfare that families in the Flats receive.

Racism

Racism is present in nearly every interaction the residents of the Flats have with white people. White doctors are not willing to give blacks much time or attention; white landlords do not trust that blacks can pay rent, and white social workers try to cheat them out...